Swiss Economics Minister Doris Leuthard will be inaugurating BASELWORLD 2008, accompanied by Guy Morin (President of the Government of the Canton of Basel City), Jacques J. Duchêne (President of the Exhibitors' Committee) and René Kamm (CEO of MCH Swiss Exhibition (Holding) Ltd.). BASELWORLD 2008 has been scheduled between April 3 – 10, 2008 at the Exhibition Centre in Basel. %% BASELWORLD will be set up over 160,000 m2., hosting 2,087 watch and jewellery exhibitors from 45 countries. Over 100,000 buyers and over 2,500 media representatives from 100 countries are expected to attend. Amongst the participants, the Swiss exhibitors at the show represent nearly 90% of Swiss exports in watches. The Swiss export volume of watches (Switzerland's third-largest commercial sector), rose to CHF 16 billion in 2007. %% The show this year will employ almost 60,000 individuals to manage and execute the show. According to a study conducted by BAK Basel Economics in 2006, activities of the exhibitors and visitors at BASELWORLD generate a turnover of CHF 1.2 billion a year for Switzerland. The event not only delivers an effective interactive platform for the trade community, but also leverages the Swiss economy.